1. Adaptation of the Articles of Confederation
THE CONFEDERATION
Adaptation of the Articles of Confederation

2. Written Constitutions & Limited Power
During the revolution 11 of 13 states wrote a state constitution
American leaders cautious about too much power to one ruler
Many states elected legislatures with separate branches
Most states adopted a bicameral legislature
2 separate houses
Some included a bill of rights

3. Formation of the Republic
U. S. A. would be a republic
Government where citizens rule by being elected
People elect representatives to speak on their behalf
Most agreed that central/national/federal government should be weak
States would be like small independent countries

4. Articles of Confederation
November 1777 – America’s 1st Constitution
Provided new central government
States gave up little of their power
“A firm league of friendship”
States kept “sovereignty, freedom, & independence”
All 13 states had to ratify the Articles
Articles formally become our govt. on March 1, 1781

5. Strengths of the Articles
Governed the nation during & after the American Revolution
Grant treaties (like Treaty of Paris 1783)
Authority to conduct foreign affairs
Maintain relations with foreign countries
Borrow money
Issue currency
Print & circulate money
Sold, settled, & governed the nation’s western territory (Northwest Ordinance)

6. Weaknesses of the Articles
Could not protect copyrights
Could not organize a court system
Each state had only one vote in Congress
Regardless of its size
Could not pass law w/o 9 of 13 approving
Required unanimous vote to change Articles
No power to regulate (control) trade between states
Could not force citizens to join the army
No power to tax
No power to enforce laws
States had to agree to raise money or troops
States not required to help

8. Westward Expansion Government took control of western lands
Ordinance of 1785
Procedure to sell lands north of Ohio River
Divided territory into townships
6 miles x 6 miles square
Opportunity to cheaply buy a lot of land

10. Land Ordinance of 1785 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
6 miles
6 miles
Land sold for $1 per acre A
A – Half-section = 320 acres
B – Quarter-section = 160 acres
C – Half-quarter section = 80 acres
D – Quarter-quarter section = 40 acres C B D D

11. Northwest Ordinance
Passed in 1787 to create a single Northwest Territory
Land north of Ohio River & east of Mississippi River
Divided into 3-5 smaller territories
Could petition for statehood
When population reached 60,000
Would come into Union with all rights & privileges of original 13 states
Bill of rights for settlers, no slavery, freedom of religion, & trial by jury